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 Condor aircraft receive emission-saving winglets
Condor is the first German airline to equip its long-haul aircraft with state-of-the-art wing extensions. The so-called winglets ensure that the cruising altitude is reached more quickly, and do not require as much thrust during flight and landing, making them extremely ecological as a result. A Boeing 757-300 equipped with winglets can save around 3.5 % fuel annually. The improved aerodynamics also ensures that Condor aircraft fly more quietly, thus reducing noise pollution. Nine of Condor’s 13 B757-300 machines have already been equipped with the winglets. Condor’s B767-300 fleet is also receiving an upgrade. Six aircraft have already been equipped with the new wing extensions, and the remaining three will be upgraded from April 2010 onward in Beijing. The fleet modernization is due for completion in October 2010, saving 5% fuel and reducing environmental pollution in the process.
The B757’s winglets increase the width of the machines by 3 meters to 41.1 meters. They weigh 1,366 kilograms at a height of 2.50 meters. The aircraft span of the recently upgraded B767s has also increased by 3 meters to 50.9 meters, while the winglets are 3.45 meters high and boast an impressive combined weight of 1,500 kilograms.
Only four other airlines worldwide currently use these latest generation Boeing winglets.
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